Review: Pursued by the Viscount

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Sheila

Pursued by the Viscount by Carole Mortimer
Series: Regency Unlaced #4
on May 27, 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 127
Goodreads
three-stars

FINAL DECISION: This was a simple, easy read. I enjoyed the read, but it wasn’t particularly deep or memorable. I would classify it as an enjoyable one time read.

THE STORY: Lady Rachel Shaw is recovering from a bad marriage when she gets in trouble with a blackmailer who has incriminating letters written by her which if revealed could ruin her. On he recommendation of her friend, Rachel approaches Lucien Brooke, Viscount Brooketon who is known for his ability to deal with sticky situations. Lucien, at first, has no desire to help a woman who reminds him too much of his flighty, flirty, unfaithful mother but soon recognizes that Rachel’s exterior hides tremendous pain. Indeed, Lucien realizes that he wants her for himself.

OPINION: This book is a small story (novella) focusing mostly on the sexual relationship between Rachel and Lucien. There is instant attraction, a quick sexual relationship and then a quick resolution of the story. There really isn’t much drama between Rachel and Lucien. What appears to be a significant barrier — Lucien’s impression that Rachel is a flirt and a like his mother — is resolved during their first meeting.

The lack of real drama made this pleasant but not particularly memorable read. I liked the characters so this was worth the one time read. I also enjoyed the story because it was part of the series so I knew these characters already.

WORTH MENTIONING: I did not like the story with the blackmailer. I thought the story was stereotypical in its depiction of gays (who end up being the bad guys here). There was nothing nuanced in the portrayals to soften this stereotypical depiction.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PURSUED BY THE VISCOUNT is the fourth book in the Regency Unlaced Series. It can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.

Review: The Countess Conspiracy

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Sheila

The Countess Conspiracy (Brothers Sinister, #3) by Courtney Milan
Series: Brothers Sinister #3
Published by Courtney Milan on December 16th 2013
Genres: Historical
Pages: 309
Goodreads
five-stars

Friends to Lovers

THE COUNTESS CONSPIRACY is the third novel in the Brothers Sinister series. It is the story of Sebastian Malheur and Violet Waterfield, the widowed Countess of Cambury. Sebastian and Violet have been friends almost all their lives. They share a secret but also have deep secrets from one another. The shared secret is that the scientific research that Sebastian is known for is actually Violet’s. In an age where women were not accepted for their intellectual gifts, the two created a way for her work to be accepted.

I absolutely loved this book. From the beginning Violet and Sebastian have an incredible relationship that is founded on respect. Sebastian has loved Violet for years and has always cared for her. I don’t think I have read a romance book with such a unique relationship. Both Sebastian and Violet present facades to the world but know one another. As they discover the secrets that they kept for one another, they discover how to make the transition to lovers.

This book was not a lighthearted read. Violet’s secret is heart wrenching and it makes the relationship between Sebastian and Violet complex and serious. I won’t give away her secret here since it is central to the story, but it and the entire storyline demonstrates how oppressed women were in that era. This book makes the point without being preachy or anachronistic.

I love the strong women that Milan creates. Violet is fallible and sometimes weak, but she is intelligent and strong and independent. The complexity of her characters is amazing.

A beautiful book that I immediately wanted to read again.

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Review: Unclaimed

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Sheila

Unclaimed (Turner, #2) by Courtney Milan
Series: Turner #2
Published by HQN Books on September 20th 2011
Genres: Historical
Pages: 422
Goodreads
five-stars

Courtesan and Virgin Trope Elevated

UNCLAIMED is the second novel in the Turner series about the three Turner brothers. This book is about Mark Turner, the youngest and a virgin (but not innocent as he tells the heroine). Mark has written a book that has taken society by storm. It is a book about chastity for men. Mark’s reputation has masse other men want to ruin him. Jessica Farleigh is a courtesan who has come to seduce Mark and ruin him publicly in order to get enough money to stop being a courtesan.

I am not a fan of this troupe, but this book is much more than that basic story plot. Milan has created real, dynamic characters who experience so much pain and growth. I loved these two together especially because Milan does not allow their happy ending to come easily.

Both of these characters have reputations that do not encompass who they really are. They are more complex than the label. Mark is not a virgin because of his moralistic principles but because he doesn’t want to cause harm. Jessica is not a poor girl ruined by a man and in need of rescue. Jessica is strong but at the same time she receives from Mark’s regard an ability to make things right for herself.

I loved this book much more than I had expected. One doesn’t have to read the prior novel and novella in this series, but UNVEILED does give the reader more information and understanding of the charger of Mark and the Turner family.

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Review: Persuasion

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Sheila

Persuasion by Jane Austen, Gillian Beer
Published by Penguin Classics Genres: Historical
Pages: 236
Goodreads
four-stars

“She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older: the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.”

FINAL DECISION: Finally, a Jane Austen book that I really liked. I know that I am a heretic because Austen has never really appealed to me. This second chance at love book, however, struck me because I really felt for Anne because she made a mistake in her youth and she grew from the experience. And there is a happy ending!

THE STORY: Eight years ago, Anne Elliot was to marry Captain Frederick Wentworth before she was dissuaded by her family that he was not an appropriate man for her to marry because of his lack of standing and wealth. Now Frederick and Anne meet again. At the age of 27, Anne has never married and deeply regrets her decision years ago. Now Frederick intends on finding a bride, but it will not be Anne.

OPINION: Up front I will confess that I’m not a Jane Austen fan. I can appreciate that they are classics, but, for the most part, I find the stories too filled with social conventions and discussions whereas I am more interested in the characters and emotions of the story. I often find that I like the main story but get bored by all the surrounding events.

For some reason, this book hit me much better. The story seemed more focused, the heroine more appealing to me. Perhaps because Anne’s mistakes were years ago and she has had time to reflect and regret and grow, I could understand what had led her to make a mistake and liked her better because of it.

I also liked the Anne and Frederick’s relationship and liked watching them work their way back to one another.

WORTH MENTIONING: PERSUASION is the last of Austen’s completed novels and was not published until after her death.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PERSUASION is a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

Review: Seduced

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Sheila

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Seduced: The Wicked Woodleys by Jess Michaels
Series: The Wicked Woodleys #5
on May 17, 2016
Genres: Historical
Goodreads

“I have never been abducted by a lady before,” he drawled, looking at her pale face in the dim carriage. “This is very exciting.”

FINAL DECISION: An enjoyable conclusion to the Wicked Woodleys series that essentially is an add on to RUINED. Employing one of my favorite tropes: the lower class hero with a heroine who is his social better, this story lacked the angst of RUINED but still had a lot of action.

THE STORY: Jack Blackwood is known as Captain Jack, a criminal mastermind who is king of the criminal world that lurks in London. As his brother has married into the titled class, Jack ends up mingling with the aristocracy. There he meets Viscountess Leticia Seagate, a widow who has a secret. As the two circle around one another, Letty decides to take a lover and can think of no one who fits her better than Jack. There is danger, however, as Jack has a rival for his business who threatens him and anyone he cares about.

OPINION: Jack and Letty’s story was enjoyable but a little bit of a letdown from the wonderful RUINED. For me, there was a lot of things going on in the story (Letty’s secret, Jack’s enemy, Letty’s brother’s issues) and while I enjoyed the book, I was not enthralled. I felt that with so much going on, the connection between Letty and Jack was not as strong as I would like.

I still enjoyed the book especially because I am a fan of the lower class hero story. Michaels has done several of this trope in this series and I seriously love these guys. Jack is a criminal but he clearly has done well for himself and is in the process of improving himself. The marriage and happiness of his brother has made him question his own life. It is at this pivotal time that he begins his relationship with Letty. The two expect nothing beyond sex from one another and yet, they become intertwined with one another.

I liked the sexy relationship between Jack and Letty and there is always a sense of equality between them personally even if society does not see it. I also liked how Letty’s personal sense of worth is healed by Jack’s devotion to her.

Overall, I found the story and romance uneven but I liked the characters, loved getting updates on the prior couples and was satisfied with the book as a whole.

WORTH MENTIONING: Michaels also gives a nice update on the other Woodley couples without it being forced. A nice treat for fans of the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SEDUCED is the fifth book in the Wicked Woodleys series. The book gives readers enough information to be read as a standalone although I recommend reading RUINED first because the two stories are closely connected.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

Review: Lessons in Pleasure

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Sheila

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Lessons In Pleasure by Victoria Dahl
Published by Lyrical Press on May 10th 2016
Genres: Historical
Goodreads
three-stars

“Sarah Rose Hood was in love with her husband. She was almost sure of it.”

FINAL DECISION: An enjoyable read, LESSONS IN PLEASURE is the story of a new husband and wife exploring their sexuality together. The historical context gives some twists to the story that makes it especially intriguing.

THE STORY: Sarah Rose Hood married with hopes of companionship and care. She cares for her husband, James Hood. James is a young barrister with a seat in the House of Commons. The two have been marrried for two months. Just as the two begin more deeply exploring their sexual relationship, Sarah begins having fears about a secret she kept from her husband.

OPINION: This was an enjoyable read. Sarah and James are a sweet couple together. The story is really about Sarah’s innocence and the historical ignorance about women’s sexuality. This novella is sexy and I really do enjoy books about married couples finding deeper levels of intimacy between them both emotionally and physically. This novella hits all those points.

A very enjoyable one time read that brings a different historical perspective.

My only complaint is that the format doesn’t really allow much time to get to know these characters. The focus is on the situation and thus I never really completely connected with the characters in a way that would make this novella one I would want to pick up again and again.

WORTH MENTIONING: This is a very short novella.

CONNECTED BOOKS: LESSONS IN PLEASURE is a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.

Review: Only Beloved

Posted on May 8, 2016 by Sheila

Only Beloved (The Survivors' Club #7) by Mary Balogh
Series: Survivor's Club #7
Published by Signet on May 3rd 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 393
Goodreads
four-half-stars

“Surely everyone was entitled to some companionship, some contentment in life even when youth was a thing of the past.”

FINAL DECISION: Absolutely loved this lovely story of two people who later in life look for companionship and find love beyond what they ever expected. Balogh managed to finish her Survivor’s Club series in a emotional and redemptive fashion filled with hope and love.

THE STORY: George Crabb, the Duke of Stanbrook has been widowed for 12 years after his wife committed suicide following the death of their son in the Peninsular Wars. Now at 48 years old, George is considering marrying again since all his Survivor’s Club friends have found love. When he thinks of marriage, however, George has only one woman in his mind. He thinks of Dora Debbins, a woman he met briefly a year ago and still hasn’t forgotten. He seeks her out and proposes marriage for companionship and friendship. Dora gave up hope of marrying when a family scandal left her to care for her younger sister. Dora has made a life for herself as an independent music teacher and yet the possibility of marrying the man she hasn’t been able to get out of her mind is seductively attractive. As George and Dora think to build a good marriage, they find out that the past which previously robbed them of their happy ending is dangerously close to stealing their happiness again.

OPINION: I adore how Balogh goes deep into the emotion of her characters. While there is a storyline plot that moves the action forward, the emphasis in ONLY BELOVED is on the developing relationship between George and Dora. George and Dora are characters which I fell in love with. Both had their youthful dreams of love and marriage taken from them, they reached an age when they believed that the possibility of happiness had passed them by. Instead, each had built a life helping others. The marriages of all the other Survivor’s Club members prompt George to think about Dora again and wonder if they might find a measure of companionship, friendship and happiness together. What he knows is that he cannot love — that possibility having been burned out of him by his first marriage.

As Dora and George so obviously fall in love, there is immense sadness that these two people believe that their lives lack the possibility and hope of love. As they reveal themselves to one another, they discover that love exists for everyone. I love how the story develops with a maturity and yet a joyful discovery between these two people. This story demands patience and a willingness to allow these characters their journey. Their story unfolds slowly and patiently but at the perfect pace for these two.

I love the beauty and gentleness of the relationship between Dora and George. I like that it reflected both their maturity and the newness of falling deeply in love. They are both wise in the difficulties in life but also neophytes in loving and trusting and building a life together.

I loved this book and as the last book in the series, I was not disappointed.

WORTH MENTIONING: Fans of the series will be pleased by the appearances and updates on the couples from the series. Just what you would expect from a concluding book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ONLY BELOVED is the seventh and final book in the Survivor’s Club series. It can be read as a standalone although I think the book has more emotional meaning at the end of the series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

Review: The Earl Takes All

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Sheila

The Earl Takes All (The Hellions of Havisham, #2) by Lorraine Heath
Series: The Hellions of Havisham #2
Published by Avon on April 26th 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 384
Goodreads
four-stars

“Don’t let her figure out that it’s me, the sneaky bastard who takes what isn’t his. Don’t let her realize that I’m not her husband.”

FINAL DECISION: I love how Heath creates situations between characters that seem impossible and then goes deep into the emotions of the characters to make a situation work out. I thought this story would never work and yet Heath made it a lovely romance.

THE STORY: Edward Alcott returns from a safari with his dead twin but is himself masquerading as his twin. It was his brother’s dying wish that Edward care for his wife who is pregnant. Edward intends on pretending to be his twin until his sister in law gives birth. Pretending to be his brother is more difficult than he expected since Edward has been enamored of his sister in law for years. Julia is surprised by the changes in her husband on his return. He seems more wicked and bolder than the man she married. As she falls even more in love, she can’t help but wonder what has changed her husband so much.

OPINION: I often start a Lorraine Heath book thinking “there is no way she can make this work” sometimes I even hate the premise. This book was difficult to imagine from the blurb of the book. I couldn’t imagine that a relationship that begins with the hero impersonating his dead twin to his sister-in-law was going to work. For the most part, the book did work. There were a couple of rough parts that called for more acceptance than analysis on my part, but I got wrapped up in the emotional journey of these characters that by the end, I was totally bound up with wanting their happy ending.

This book does demand some patience from its readers as (1) you have to accept that Julia would not recognize Edward’s impersonation of her husband and (2) you have to accept that she will ultimately forgive him for his deception. Some readers might not be able to get past these hurdles, but accepting these premises allowed me to become absorbed by the emotional conflict in the story which is filled with love, guilt, pain and joy.

In the story, Edward begins as the typical rake, but we soon find out that he is hiding a love for Julia which he always believed was hopeless. His masquerade of a thoughtless rake allowed him to mask his feelings. By pretending to be his brother, Edward begins to lose control of those feelings and falls deeply in love with Julia.

I liked these characters and especially appreciated how Heath walks the line of Julia falling in love with both brothers without diminishing either of them. This is a difficult task and is largely successful — even if I admit that I like Edward better.

The central conflict of the story becomes that even if Julia and Edward fall in love, the deception will have to continue because English law forbids a man from marrying his brother’s widow. The resolution of this story might seem like a cheat to some, but I really liked that the solution, like the conflict itself, is based on historical fact. Heath explains some of the real legal issues involved in her afterword.

WORTH MENTIONING: Fans of Heath’s other series might see some familiar faces.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE EARL TAKES ALL is the second book in the Hellions of Havisham series. It can be read as a standalone although the first book of the series gives some further background on the characters and their connection to significant secondary characters.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

Review: ‘Til Death Do Us Part

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Sheila

'Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick
Published by Berkley on April 19th 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 352
Goodreads
three-stars

“She belonged to him.”

FINAL DECISION: This book was good in many ways but didn’t live up to my expectations for an Amanda Quick book. The mystery so central to the story was just meh and I found to romance good, but not one that I’d want to reread.

THE STORY: Calista Langley owns a Victorian matching agency where she introduces men and women looking for companionship. A stalker begins sending her gifts that creep her out because they are mourning gifts personalized for her. When Trent Hastings, author of a series of detective stories comes to her to complain about Calista involving his sister in her matching agency, the two strike sparks off one another and soon seem to be meeting all the time. Calista seeks Trent’s help in discovering who is stalking her.

OPINION: This book had the setup to be a really good story with Trent’s initial mistrust of Calista and a creepy mystery. For me, however, everything about this story sort of petered out and by the end I was only mildly interested in the romance and the mystery.

I thought the conflict between Trent and Calista was resolved so quickly that it eliminated most of the tension between the characters and made their romance nice but not particularly compelling or memorable.

Instead, the story rested on the mystery of who was stalking Calista. Unfortunately, that story was not good enough to rest the entirety of the book on. I quickly figured out the villain and thus there was no surprise reveal in the book for me. Because there was more emphasis in the book on the mystery than the romance, I needed a better, scarier, more compelling mystery. This one did not engage me enough.

WORTH MENTIONING: I would classify this book as historical suspense with a dash of romance.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ‘TIL DEATH DO US PART is a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.

Review: The Pirate Prince

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Sheila

The Pirate Prince (Ascencion Trilogy #1) by Gaelen Foley
Series: Ascencion Trilogy
Published by Ivy Books on July 29th 1998
Genres: Historical
Pages: 407
Goodreads
three-half-stars

‘It has been fifteen years since Prince Lazar di Fiore last set foot on Ascencion.”

FINAL DECISION: This book was uneven to me. There were parts that were compelling and beautiful and parts that just dragged and made me want to skip ahead. I ended up liking it more than not but I doubt I would read it again.

THE STORY: Lazar di Fiori returns to avenge what was stolen from him. As a youth, his royal family was murdered and he barely escaped with his life. He intends on seeking revenge by killing the only daughter of his sworn enemy. Allegra Monteverdi inadvertently ends up in Lazar’s hands, and her sweetness and purity makes it impossible for Lazar to kill her. Instead, Allegra offers to be his captive in exchange for her family’s lives. Despite himself, Lazar agrees and finds himself challenged by a woman who demands that he be better than he could have imagined.

OPINION: This book should have been tailor made for me. I love those dark, tormented heroes and Lazar definitely falls into that category. I could never fall completely into the story. I found it uneven and I didn’t become completely captivated by the story or the characters. Parts of the book were absorbing but so much was tedious and I felt like skipping ahead. I didn’t find the totality of Lazar’s journey as compelling as I might have expected. The story had the possibility to being a compelling and rollicking adventure, but while parts were great, there were too many parts that pulled me out of the grand adventure for me to think of the book as anything other than good but not great.

WORTH MENTIONING: Spoilers: The book contains references to slavery and rape.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE PIRATE PRINCE is the first book in the Ascencion Trilogy.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.

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Tag Archives: Historical

Review: Pursued by the Viscount

Review: The Countess Conspiracy

Review: Unclaimed

Review: Persuasion

Review: Seduced

Review: Lessons in Pleasure

Review: Only Beloved

Review: The Earl Takes All

Review: ‘Til Death Do Us Part

Review: The Pirate Prince